Mentors

The music and dance mentors (teachers) that have partnered with the School of Worship are men and women who are professional musicians/producers/worship leaders/dancers/artists, that are excellent at their craft, and who are passionate about investing their time and talent into the next generation.

Piano & Voice

Donnie Cox, Piano

Donnie discovered from a young age his passion to express himself through music. The son of a Michigan radio DJ and concert promoter, he was exposed to the music industry from the beginning. Opportunity came knocking when as a teenager the church worship team needed a piano player. Donnie found a world of support from mentors that encouraged him to use his talents to lead people into worship. He later served on staff as lead worship pastor at a church in West Texas. Since moving to Nashville in 2007, Donnie has enjoyed playing with such artists as Adie, Natalie Grant and Drew Cline. Donnie currently tours as keyboardist with Jeremy Camp. Donnie is thankful for the opportunities he has been given in life and is excited to share his experience with the students at SOW.

Christine Fryoux, Piano

Christine began playing the piano at the early age of 6.  She went on to study at Louisiana Tech University and Southeastern Louisiana University, and became an accomplished classical pianist.  Over the years Christine has lent her musical giftings to everything from accompanying her high school choir, to playing and singing on various worship teams across the country, to playing the piano in the worship band Jacob’s Ladder.  She has been teaching for almost 20yrs, beginning at Baton Rouge Christian Classical and most recently at New Hope Academy right here in Franklin.  She has a heart for children, a heart for worship, and a passion to see each student reach their full potential.

Jamie Jamgochian, Piano/Voice

Jaime Jamgochian is a songwriter and recording artist whose music and effervescent personality have touched thousands of young women. She’s toured relentlessly and appeared on Point of Grace’s Girls of Grace conferences in addition to launching her own “Modest is Hottest” conferences. Having come to Christ during her college years, Jaime believes her life experience before becoming a believer has made her better equipped to minister to young girls. The Reading, Mass., native graduated from the famed Berklee College of Music with a bachelor’s degree in Professional Music. Jamie grew up with severe learning disabilities, so her passion to teach others comes from a place of deep understanding.

Daniel Kirkley, Piano/Voice

South Carolina native Daniel Kirkley began taking piano lessons when he was 7 years old and began voice lessons in his early teens.  This led him to receive a full scholarship to the University of South Carolina where he double majored in Classical Voice and Pre-Med.  At the beginning of his Junior year, Daniel transferred to Belmont University to finish his undergraduate degree in Commercial Music Performance.  After graduating, he worked for 4 years in the Creative Department with Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing.  In 2006, Daniel left the business side of the industry and signed a recording contract with Centricity Music. Ever since, he has been touring full-time ministering in churches.

Nate Sallie, Piano

After graduating from Evangel University with a Bachelor of Music, Nate signed his first recording contract with Reunion Records and began a music career that has evolved over the past 10yrs. With Dove Award Nominations, Tours that have spanned the globe, and numerous hit songs, Nate has had the privilege of sharing his music with hundreds of thousands of people. After completing his run as lead singer of the Grammy Nominated group Newsong, Nate opened the School of Worship to serve the community through music.

Joel Settle, Piano

Born and raised in Richmond, Virginia, Joel Settle has recently moved from Lindale, Texas where he spent five years working with Acquire the Fire youth conferences for Teen Mania Ministries. At 23 years old, Joel has followed his calling to lead people in worship and to bring truth and hope to a lost generation in churches and arenas nationwide. Trained classically, his musical experience includes vocal and piano performance for Broadway-style productions, church worship, and teaching private lessons and workshops. Joel is excited to serve School of Worship and to share his passion for Jesus and music with his students.

Marcia Ware, Voice

A native of the Midwest, Marcia’s passion for music and worship began very early in life. Beginning formal study at the age of 14, Marcia continued to pursue opportunities to strengthen her technique well into her time as a student at Anderson University in Indiana. Graduating with a degree in Music Business, she maintained a dedicated course of vocal training, selected for the University’s prestigious Honors Recital in both her Junior and Senior years at Anderson. After college, Marcia eventually moved to the Nashville area, dividing her time between her work as vocalist and session singer, as well as an on air personality for the WAY-FM media group, where she’s heard across the country. Marcia has also been an active member at New Song Christian Fellowship in their Worship Arts Department as a vocalist on the Worship team and a member of the New Voices Writers Group.

Guitar

A.J. Babcock, Acoustic/Bass

A native of Columbus, Ohio, AJ journeyed to Nashville with his wife to pursue his passion as a songwriter. From the age of 9, AJ grew up playing the upright bass in youth orchestras where he learned to read and write music, gaining a strong knowledge of music theory. He picked up the electric guitar at age 11 and shortly after started acoustic lessons. Founding member of the band House of Heroes, AJ has toured with hit artists such as TobyMac, Reliant K, and Skillet. After landing several No. 1s on the Christian rock charts and a Dove nomination, AJ decided to take a break from 5 years of tour life to focus on his creativity. AJ believes that music should be fun and that the most important aspect of learning an instrument is to discover what it is you love most about it. “I look forward to inspiring young people to become inspired by music…I believe music is a gift from God that helps us see just one more piece of Him.”

Pete Good, Acoustic/Electric

Raised in South Dakota, Pete began playing the guitar at the age of 10. In high school he began writing songs, and in college was driven to perform his music anywhere he could. During his 5 years playing professionally in SD, he opened for bands such as Sugarland, Shawn McDonald and SOW parent Phil Joel. Pete also led worship for a prominent college ministry that he helped establish, pouring into young people and impacting the community. Upon moving to Nashville, he continued to work as an acoustic singer/songwriter while collaborating with other artists. He feels blessed for the opportunity to witness his students growing both musically and in their walk with Christ.

Simon Gugala, Acoustic/Electric/Bass

A Detroit, MI native, Simon began playing the piano and euphonium in the Salvation Army Brass Band. After laying a solid musical foundation, at an early age, he began leading worship at churches and summer camps. Having been given the gift of music, he took his talent to Greenville College where he graduated with a Bachelor’s in Christian Contemporary Music in 2005. As an accomplished acoustic and electric guitarist he has toured and recorded with several well known artists. He is heavily involved in the Newsong Christian Fellowship Worship Arts Community, and has a true heart of worship.

Brandon Harrington, Acoustic/Electric

Fresh off the mission field of Southeast Asia, Brandon and his wife came to Nashville in faith to discover a new season of ministry. Brandon’s musical career began at 8 yrs old learning the violin. It wasn’t until age 17 that he crossed over to his acoustic and started touring. After graduating from University of Central Arkansas with a B.A. in Classical Guitar Performance, he furthered his education at University of Memphis through master classes and studies with renowned guitarists such as the Assad Brothers and Dr. Lily Afshar. Brandon has performed with artists Manuel Barrueco, Eliot Fisk, Kris Allen, and worked with producers such as Joel Cameron (Mercy Me) and Josh Swart (Lionel Richie, Charlie Hall). Influential in music ministry, Brandon produced a thriving worship band while in the Philippines. “I have a deep passion to understand what and how God communicates with us. A very important line of communication is worship.” Brandon is excited to share his passion and experience with his students.

Luke Sullivant, Acoustic

Luke Sullivant is the musical director at Strongtower Bible Church in Franklin, Tn. A native of Kansas City, Luke has been involved in worship and Christian music since he was 16. Luke married his wife Rebekah in 2001 and recorded two live worship albums in Ireland together. After spending some time as a full-time jazz musician and educator, Luke began session work and touring, playing for many Christian artists like Nicole C. Mullen, Mandisa, B.Reith, Michael Tait, Kirk Whalum and Tim Hughes. He has also developed teaching curriculum for youth music programs such as Camp Electric and the Culture House. Throughout his career, Luke has remained committed to his roots in worshipping through his instrument and voice.

Drums

Antonio Porcheddu

A native of Dallas, TX, Anthony has been a musician in the Nashville area for over 10 years and has music degrees from Berklee College of Music and Belmont University where he studied Drums and Piano. His abilities as a multi-instrumentalist have given him the opportunity to perform with artists such as Phil Joel (newsboys), Jeremy Camp, Nate Sallie, Tammy Trent, Chris Young and many others. In addition to a solid touring schedule Anthony keeps busy in the studio where he has performed on and produced many recordings ranging from indie and label projects to children’s music to prime time TV. Anthony is excited to be a part of the School of Worship team where he can blend his love for worship and teaching in one place to help build a solid foundation in the hearts of this generation’s worshiping musicians.

Dustin Rohrer

Brought up in the jazz scenes of North Carolina and New York City, Dustin blends the creativity of jazz with a solid groove. After receiving his Masters in Jazz Drumset Performance from Manhattan School of Music, Dustin embarked on a career of touring and session work. He’s currently on the road with Dove award-nominated artists Keith and Kristyn Getty.

Dance

Coco Grecco, Hip Hop/Modern

At a young age Coco Grecco Stomped her way across the dance floor and fell in love faster than she expected. She trained at J. Coreography studio under nationally renowned Jazz dancer Joshua Corey, and within 3 years she danced for Disney and industrials hosted by Opryland. She continued her career at Motion Underground in Boulder, CO, under Hip Hop Choreographer Sean Tyler. From dancing on the street corners of Boulder and music videos to performing with Haunted Motion, Coco rapidly reached high skill level. In taking a break after a five year career she realized that dance was more than a few “Pops n Locks”, but a powerful means for ministry. Since then it is her hearts desire to have the Lords anointing on all that she performs, choreographs, and teaches. Her mission is to equip dancers for ministry and bring worship to the Lord through performing arts.

Camryn Thigpen, Ballet/Lyrical

Camryn Thigpen grew up in Nashville.  At an early age, she started her dance training at Nashville Ballet, under the current artistic director, Paul Vasterling.  It was at that time that Camryn realized the passion God had placed in her heart for the love of dance.  She also studied at Ballet Magnificat, where she was introduced to worship dance.  She has continued doing worship dance in local churches here in Nashville.  After high school, Camryn attended Western Kentucky University where she received her BFA in dance concentration.  Camryn has taught in local dance studios around Nashville but she now is ready to use her gifts and talents for God’s glory.  She knows the time is right to raise up passionate dancers for the Lord’s kingdom.